Hypnosis for Women............................................22

Meet Hypnosis For Women Director, Rhoda Kopy

Pictured L-R: Annemarie Schreiber, Rhoda Kopy & Dr. Kathy A. Banks

Rhoda Kopy has always been fascinated with the inner workings of the mind, specifically with factors that influence behavior. As a young girl, she was shy, overweight, and terribly self-conscious. As she matured she began reading motivational books and started applying what she learned. She says, “I pushed myself to venture out of my comfort zone and embrace life more fully.” After college, Rhoda was drawn to helping others access their innate strengths, and provide them with techniques to help them move forward. She credits her positions in community health education and coaching with affording her that opportunity.

CW: What attracted you to this line of work?

Rhoda: About 18 years ago, I saw a hypnosis professional to help manage a nighttime eating issue. I was so intrigued with the results and the process that I completed a training program in Advanced Clinical Hypnosis, at a state-licensed school. Between my prior positions and academic background in health sciences and biomedical communications, I felt I had a solid foundation for a career as a consulting hypnotist and wellness coach. I’m delighted to say that I’ve become the mentor I wish I’d had – and it’s been an amazing, fulfilling journey.

CW: What are the most popular reasons people come to see you?

Rhoda: My clients are people dealing with ordinary life issues who have made a courageous decision to get unstuck, feel better about themselves, and move forward with their lives. Using this technique allows them to release the barriers that have been holding them back. Among the most common issues that bring people to my office are stress management, sleep quality, smoking cessation, weight management, pain relief, and life balance. People also come to release fears – like fear of flying, driving, public speaking, enclosed spaces, and socializing, to name a few. Enhancing performance (sports / academic) and building self-confidence are also areas that many people choose to work on.

CW: Can you explain how this technique works physically and mentally?

Rhoda: After completing an intake process to understand challenges and goals, I gently guide the client into a state of hypnotic relaxation, which is very much like a daydreaming or pre-sleep state. The subconscious mind is then more accessible and receptive – the imagination more powerful. The logical, often limiting mind, moves to the background. Clients can more easily sense, feel, imagine, and accept what’s being suggested – which is always consistent with their stated goals.

A variety of different tools and techniques are used to release barriers and spur success. Physically, muscle tension decreases, blood pressure and pulse rate decrease, and brain wave activity slows down. Sessions are both relaxing and empowering, and clients leave each meeting with the sense that they are indeed capable of accomplishing their goals.

CW: How often do clients come back to see you? What is the recommendation?

Rhoda: People come to my office because they want to change something that’s been problematic to them for a long while. While this is an efficient modality, it requires reinforcement and repetition to neutralize negative patterns and instill smarter, healthier ones. I suggest that clients commit to at least three hypnosis sessions. Three to six sessions are effective for most people, although much depends on the client and her level of motivation and involvement in the process. This is a comprehensive approach; and each client is taught centering techniques, provided with one or several recordings for reinforcement, and is instructed in self-hypnosis.I always encourage clients to continue to practice what they’ve learned, in order to help them stay centered and effectively deal with challenges.

CW: What kind of personality does hypnosis work best for?

Rhoda: This works optimally for a person who is motivated to change and who has thought about the benefits of making that change. Someone who understands that this is a process and is willing to be a partner in the process is an ideal candidate. My first phone discussion with a potential client allows me to determine if she’s a good candidate. I want this to be a rewarding experience for every person who uses my services. .